Skip to main content

In Touch with Jesus

The Matrix movies explored religious themes like alternate realities or salvation through a sacrificial hero.

I like watching movies that entertain me, and touch on religious themes. For example Star Wars, the Matrix, or Gravity because I like Science Fiction, and also because they explore the reality of the supernatural while entertaining me.
Do you remember the TV show “Touched by an Angel”? According to the late author Phyllis Tickle, it brought religion to TV and made faith accessible to a wider audience. It also showed that there is a desire for getting in touch with the divine in our lives.
Word
People flocked to Jesus to hear him and touch him. They came to hear him, and touch him to access his power that healed people. Getting in touch with Jesus shows us and connects us with the God’s goodness, possibility of life in harmony, and way to be blessed.
Jesus declared that life with God transcends even adversity: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.” (Luke 6:20b-22)
Connection
If you want your life to be changed by God's power, here’s how you and me get in touch with Jesus:
1. ... by listening to him like his disciples through his Word in the Bible.
2. ... through religious experiences like the sacrament of Communion.
3. ... in other ways, like a handshake, for example, or laughter, a cup of coffee, or friendship beyond personal, political, or religious differences.
The power of God’s love and of faith does not come from angels. But if you trust in yourself, you will not get the benefits of following Jesus. So, get in touch with Jesus, and bless others by touching them with your presence.
Message
The good news is: Touching Jesus heals us from our self-confidence, self-reliance, and self-indulgence. Jesus gives us access to God's Spirit of comfort, hope and trust.
Jesus says to you: Blessed are you when you stay in touch with me, and share blessings with the poor, the hungry, and the grieving. For yours will be the kingdom, you will be fed, and laugh with joy.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Renewing Confession

Procession of Clergy during an Ordination service. The church celebrates faith in Christ together. It is difficult for us to relate to biblical events like Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The words like Hosanna, and actions like riding on a donkey, are not exactly something we use or encounter today. Word If Jesus were to live today to tell us about God beginning to take charge of governing the world it would be all over Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. God’s representative might come riding on a bicycle instead in a limousine. And people would probably wave their cell phones to express their excitement. Followers of the new visionary leader would shout something like: ‘Hey, yo! Welcome the Boss from heaven! Get ready for some serious change!’ Connection So if it so happened that Jesus were to come through our town on the way to die and rise so we would be freed to live in God’s realm here on earth and forever in heaven, would you even notice, would you believe hi...

Everyday Gratitude

The altar at St. Paul's Lutheran Church with donations for local food pantries. This week we celebrate Thanksgiving. How do you celebrate the holiday? It’s well and good to be thankful for family and food on Thanksgiving Day. But as Christians we can show our genuine gratitude to a gracious God every day by 1. remembering to thank God for everything, 2. praying for those who are in positions of authority, and 3. sharing the gifts we have received with others in need. According to Matthew’s gospel, Jesus encourages us: “... do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ ... But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (vv. 31, 33) God blesses us all in abundance. Let’s not forget to be thankful. And remember those who lack basic needs.

Legacy of Love

What would you like your tomb stone to say about your life? I’ve been asking myself what I want my legacy to be. I want to make a difference, not for my own pride or benefit, but for God’s purposes and glory. Like bringing people to faith, or changing social problems. But that kind of legacy idea can become overwhelming and paralyzing. What if I fail? What if it becomes self serving? Word Perhaps that’s what Peter and the disciples felt too. But their perspective was changed on Easter. The risen Christ gave them a promise and challenge. Hear Jesus words to his followers then and now in John’s gospel from today’s reading: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (John 13:34) Jesus gave us a command. To love as he loved on the cross, to save all people and share life with everyone. That’s not easy. But comes from the gift of God’s love on the cross. Connection So, I don’t need an impressive ...